Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has won 24 and lost 21 of his 62 games in charge
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has declined to elaborate on previous comments regarding his transfer budget, with his cryptic response fueling speculation of potential internal disagreements.
Typically forthcoming in media briefings, Amorim remained tight-lipped when questioned about remarks he made on Christmas Eve concerning his preferred tactical approach.
“I have the feeling if we have to play a perfect 3-4-3, we need to spend a lot of money and we need time,” he stated. “I’m starting to understand that is not going to happen. So, maybe I have to adapt.”
Subsequently, Amorim transitioned to a four-at-the-back formation for the 1-0 victory against Newcastle on December 26, before reverting to a five-at-the-back system when United were held to a draw by bottom-of-the-table Wolves four days later.
On December 23, the day preceding Amorim’s statement, United officials privately conceded that their pursuit of Bournemouth’s £65m attacker Antoine Semenyo was unlikely to succeed, though they maintained that the intention was never to deploy the 25-year-old as a wing-back.
Speaking to journalists ahead of his side’s Premier League fixture against Leeds on Sunday, Amorim was asked to explain why he was seemingly unaware of the recruitment parameters upon joining United from Sporting in November 2024.
“I don’t want to talk about that,” he replied. “I just focus on the Leeds game.”
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Amorim then affirmed that he did not regret his comments prior to the Newcastle match before being questioned again, by the same journalist, regarding any potential changes to the transfer budget. Once more, he responded: “I don’t want to talk about that.”
Following a brief pause, and as the United media official seated next to Amorim began to indicate the next questioner, the Portuguese coach added: “But you are very smart, so…”
The meaning of Amorim’s remark remains unclear, but a plausible interpretation suggests that the journalist could infer the answer for himself, relating to the aforementioned subject matter.
United have consistently emphasized that any January signings would align with their long-term strategy.
In the aftermath of the Newcastle game, Amorim alluded to occasional disagreements with the club regarding transfer targets. One such instance reportedly involved the decision to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens on transfer deadline day, rather than Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, who was Amorim’s preferred choice.
Amorim stated after the Newcastle match that it was imperative for the coach’s input to be considered, given his understanding of the specific qualities required within his team.
This exchange coincides with a decline in confidence in Amorim among United supporters, following a disappointing run of home fixtures, including a defeat to a 10-man Everton side after just eight minutes, draws against West Ham and Bournemouth – both currently enduring winless streaks of eight and 10 matches, respectively – and the aforementioned draw against Wolves.
United remain in sixth place in the league table, having repeatedly missed opportunities to ascend into the top four, while holding only a three-point advantage over Fulham, who sit in 12th position.
The club has openly declared that European qualification is their objective for the season, and significant doubts would arise regarding Amorim’s future should he fail to achieve this goal.
United have recalled midfielder Toby Collyer from his loan spell at West Brom, although the 22-year-old is still recovering from a calf injury sustained in a draw against Birmingham on November 26.
It was previously believed that United’s hierarchy would authorize new signings this month should either forward Joshua Zirkzee – substituted at half-time against Wolves – or injured midfielder Kobbie Mainoo secure the loan moves they are reportedly seeking.
However, Amorim stated that neither player, nor anyone else, had informed him of their desire to leave.
“If you look at our squad, I think it’s impossible for someone to leave,” he said. “But they need to talk with [director of football] Jason [Wilcox].”
In addition to wing-backs, United are known to be interested in acquiring central midfield players, although it is believed that their primary targets, England internationals Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson, as well as Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, are not attainable this month.
The club has also been linked with former Wolves captain Ruben Neves, whose future at Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal is uncertain, and former academy player James Garner, who has impressed since his £15m move to Everton in 2022.
However, on Friday, after previously suggesting United could make at least one signing this month, Amorim stated that he was not anticipating any new arrivals.
“We have no conversations in this moment to have any change in the squad,” he said.
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